Low consumption of fruits and vegetables among adults in Uganda: findings from a countrywide cross-sectional survey

Abstract

IntroductionAdequate consumption of fruits and vegetables has protective benefits against development of coronary heart disease, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, approximately 2.7 million deaths annually can be attributed to inadequate fruit and vegetable consumption. We analyzed data from a countrywide survey in Uganda, to estimate the prevalence of adequate fruit and/ or vegetable consumption, and identify associated factors.MethodsData were collected using the World Health Organization STEPwise approach to surveillance, a standard approach to surveillance of risk factors for Non Communicable Diseases. Fruit and vegetable consumption was assessed by asking participants the number of days in a typical week they eat fruits or vegetables and the number of servings eaten in one of those days. Adequate fruit and/ or vegetable consumption was defined as consuming 5 or more servings of fruits and/ or vegetables per day in a typical week. We used modified Poisson regression analysis to estimate prevalence risk ratios (PRRs) and identify factors associated with eating 5 or more servings of fruits and/ or vegetables per day, per week.ResultsOf 3962 participants, 484 (12.2%) consumed 5 or more servings of fruits and/ or vegetables per day in a typical week. Participants who were married or cohabiting were more likely to consume at least 5 servings of fruits and/ or vegetables per day in a typical week compared with those who had never been married PRR = 1.51 [95% CI 1.07–2.14]. Compared with participants from Western region, those from Central region were more likely to consume 5 or more servings of fruits and/ or vegetables per day in a typical week, PRR = 3.54 [95% CI 2.46–5.10] as were those from Northern, PRR = 2.90 [95% CI 2.00–4.23] and Eastern regions PRR = 1.60 [95% CI 1.04–2.47].ConclusionsFruit and vegetable consumption in Uganda is low and does not differ significantly across social and demographic characteristics, except marital status and geographical region of residence. There is a need to develop and strengthen policies that promote adequate consumption of fruits and vegetables in the Ugandan population.

Exposure to cholinesterase inhibiting insecticides and blood glucose level in a population of Ugandan smallholder farmers

“…28 The mean consumption of fruits and vegetables in our study are in line with a previous study in Uganda, which showed that only 12.2% of subjects consumed five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day in a 'typical' week. 29 Demographic variables were similar between individuals with low and high AChE/Hb, making it less plausible that other variables co-vary enough with AChE/Hb to be responsible for the demonstrated associations. Theoretically, the relationship between AChE/Hb and HbA 1c could be biassed if both HbA 1c and AChE/Hb were affected by Hb levels.…”

“… 28 The mean consumption of fruits and vegetables in our study are in line with a previous study in Uganda, which showed that only 12.2% of subjects consumed five or more servings of fruit and vegetables per day in a ‘typical’ week. 29 …”

Serum n-6 Fatty Acids are Positively Associated with Growth in 6-to-10-Year Old Ugandan Children Regardless of HIV Status—A Cross-Sectional Study

“…EFA deficiency is determined by the triene-to-tetraene ratio, or mead acid/AA, and a ratio of 0.02 is a clinical marker of EFA deficiency [35]. The lack of EFA deficiency in this population indicates that these children are receiving adequate amounts of EFAs through their diet [13]. This may be a result of Kampala being an urban area and therefore a larger variety of foods are available for consumption.…”

“…According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), 89% of households in Uganda are food secure, however, nutritional awareness remains low [12]. For example, fruit and vegetable consumption by adults is low throughout Uganda, and approximately 90% of adults consume less than the recommended 5 servings of fruits and vegetables per day [13]. This may extend to children as well, negatively impacting growth.…”

Riesgo De Diabetes en Ancianos Que Residen en Una Zona Vulnerable De Lima Norte

“…En cuanto a los indicadores del riesgo de diabetes, los que presentaron mayor vulnerabilidad fue el bajo consumo de frutas y la falta de actividad física. Nuestros resultados coinciden con el estudio de Kabwama y colaboradores (27) , quienes evidencian un bajo consumo de frutas y verduras en Uganda -África, el cual puede ocasionar riesgos en la salud de su población. Según la Organización Mundial de la Salud (28) , aproximadamente 2,7 millones de muertes anuales pueden atribuirse al consumo inadecuado de frutas y verduras, esta cifra incluye el 11% de los accidentes cerebrovasculares y el…”